Candlemas: Feast of Flames (Holiday Series)

February 2 has many names. In the Christian calendar it is Candlemas, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which commemorates the presentation of Jesus Christ in the temple, and the purification of the Virgin Mary (a ritual performed the traditional forty days after a boy's birth). Called "Candlemas" because the church's candles were blessed upon that day, you were supposed to toss your used candles and light a fresh, blessed candle instead. (Presumably if you could afford to do so!)February 2 is also a ritual feast day in pagan circles, Imbolc. The goddess Brigit's day falls on this date. Many of the traits of Brigit have been carried over to the Irish St. Bridget or Brigid, also called Bride.This book is primarily for those of the Wiccan persuasion; however, it fully explores Brigit's ties with St. Brigid/Bride with a lengthy account of the goddess, her symbols, and the similarities between herself and the saint. Since Candlemas is halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, the day traditionally acknowledges the lengthening of the days and the lessening of winter's grip upon the countryside. Some of the symbols associated with Brigit and Brigid are snowdrops, sheep (lambing signifying the arrival of spring), and cows (freshening due to calving). The book also contains traditional recipes associated with Candlemas, end of winter, spring, and Ireland.

Of all the titles in this series, this one was my favorite by far. These authors included a wide variety of fun and creative activities for Imbolc. They included several rituals, for single, small groups, and large groups. I wish they would write a book for each of the sabbats since their ideas and insights really brought this celebration to life for us. If you have read any of the other series titles and were disapointed by the weak content, give this one a try. I think it was really good.

It's a good history of the season with plenty of ideas for celebrating it with friends and family. A wee bit too Wiccan for me, but that's just me. I am a witch, but not Wiccan at all. I'm glad I bought it and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a book on this holiday.

Very informative book chock full of traditions and ideas on how you can celebrate the sabbat. I especially loved the sections on Brighid as a goddess and a saint, as well as the insight into what her life would've been like as she lived in Ireland back then.

As with the other Sabbat books, this one is just as fantastic. The tidbits of info and the craft and cooking ideas are amazing. It's a great book to have on your shelf next to others like Circle Round by Anne Hill. Perfect for any Pagan family.

good information and I got it for Kindle on a wonderful promotional sale which made me do a happy dance. If you want to study the feast of Imbolc/Candlemas from the pagan perspective, this is a wonderful book.

Order was as advertised.

Love this book, any one who loves Brigid well love this book

Dieses Buch ist ein Nonplusultra für diejenigen, die alles über Candlemas/Imbolg/Milchfest wissen möchten. Rezepte, Gedichte, Rituale, geschichtliche Hintergründe. Wer Englisch lesen kann, sollte sich dieses Buch zulegen.

Great book!